2009 · 15 years old at test · Diesel mostly

2009 BMW X3 MOT pass rate and common faults

1,301 MOT tests in 2024. 69.9% passed first time, compared with 58.4% for all cars the same age.

120Well above average
Passed first time69.9%
Failed or needed repairs30.1%
Typical mileage at test117,000

Most common reasons for failing

Share of all 1,301 tests where this item caused a failure.

  1. Coil spring: fractured or broken4.3%
  2. SRS malfunction indicator lamp: warning lamp indicates a fault4.2%
  3. Tread depth below requirements of 1.6mm3.2%
    64 marked dangerous
  4. Linkage ball joint dust cover: ball joint dust cover no longer prevents the ingress of dirt2.5%
  5. Tyres - condition: has ply or cords exposed2.1%
    33 marked dangerous
  6. Rbt (sp): efficiency below requirements2.0%
  7. Malfunction indicator lamp: inoperative or indicates a malfunction1.9%
  8. Anti-lock braking system: warning lamp indicates an ABS fault1.8%
  9. Brake pads: less than 1.5 mm thick1.8%
    32 marked dangerous
  10. Headlamp aim: projected beam image is obviously incorrect1.6%

Problem areas

Failure items found per 100 tests, by part of the car.

  1. Brakes14.1%
  2. Suspension13.6%
  3. Lights & electrics10.8%
  4. Tyres7.9%
  5. Seat belts & airbags5.6%
  6. Visibility (wipers, screen, mirrors)5.1%
  7. Emissions & leaks3.1%
  8. Body & chassis3.0%

Most common advisories

Not failures yet, but things the tester warned about.

  1. Tread depth below requirements of 1.6mm18.7%
  2. Engine oil leaks: leaking excessively from engine9.7%
  3. Brake discs: in such a condition that it is seriously weakened7.9%
  4. Brake pads: less than 1.5 mm thick7.6%
  5. Tyres - condition: has a tear, caused by separation or partial failure of its structure7.0%

What this means if you are buying one

This model year does better than most cars its age, so it is a reasonable used buy on MOT record alone. Before buying, check the area that fails most: coil spring: fractured or broken. Then look up the car's own MOT history on GOV.UK with its number plate, and look for repeat advisories.

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Questions

What is the MOT pass rate for a 2009 BMW X3?

In 2024, 69.9% of 2009 BMW X3 cars passed their MOT first time, across 1,301 tests. The average for all 15-year-old cars was 58.4%.

What are the most common MOT failures on a 2009 BMW X3?

The most common failure reasons were coil spring: fractured or broken; srs malfunction indicator lamp: warning lamp indicates a fault; tread depth below requirements of 1.6mm. The biggest problem area was brakes.

Is the 2009 BMW X3 reliable at MOT time?

Its MOT Rank score is 120, which is well above average for a car of its age (100 means exactly average).